Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

1877, November 14, Wednesday 

Visited Mary Weaver and Misses Dix (the latter not at home).

Visited the school. The Visiting officer of the Banbury School Attendance Committee called this morning both on me and at the school. He asked me for a list of inhabitants with number of children. I told him I had not one written out, but could get it done as I knew all the children in the parish.

1877, November 15, Thursday 

Married Jesse Green of Sibford Gower to Lavina Jane Hillman of Shutford.

Visited school. Horsman who is at work putting a few new tiles on the roof shewed me the roof plate which has been drawn out of its place on both sides of the building cracking the plaster inside. Mr Elley thought it had been recently done. As it did not appear to me to be safe I ordered Horsman to get ???? two iron bars to draw the plates back to their places.

1877, November 22, Thursday

Married Miss Harbidge of Elfordern to Mr Haddon of Cheltenham at St Philip and St James’s. Bell, Rosa, Frank and Sophie Smith came into Oxford. Returned same evening. Frank’s portrait taken at Hills and Saunders.

The marriage certificate shows Miss Harbidge’s address as “Elfordern” Bradmore Road. Stevens and his family lived in Bradmore Road, Oxford, from 1872 until they moved to Sibford in 1875.

1877, November 24, Saturday

Returned to Oxford. Brought out from Banbury Miss S Dix and for part of way Mr Elley. Mr Hall farmer of Swalcliffe overtook us and relieved me of Mr Elley.

John Harris’s (carrier) cart upset at Burdrop down the bank this evening. Boy John Young had charge of it and pulled wrong rein. Horse not injured. Martha Spicer and her young man who were inside were somewhat hurt the former especially being considerably bruised by luggage falling on top of her. No bones broken. Miss Sarah Dix’s box was made into matchwood. John Harris brought her clothes, books, etc tied up in an apron.

Returned to Oxford – presumably intending from.

1877, November 25, Sunday 

Taught in Sunday School. Attended choir practice this evening.

Mrs Elley shewed me some needlework and knitting (according to New Code) done by girls in school. It seemed very good indeed. I told her to price it all at value of material allowing for waste, etc and sell it to parents of children giving preference as regards the makers. The bill for material amounts to a little over 30/-.

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Read about the Rev Edward Stevens here.